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IMPORTANT NOTE: The folloiwng information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professinoal before using this drug.
NICOTINE GUM
(NICK-oh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nicorette
USES: This medication is used as a temporary aid to stop smoking.
HOW TO USE: You must stop smoking completely before using this medicaiton.
Chew a piece of gum when you think the urge to smoke.
Chew the gum very slowly for 30 minutes to release all of the nicotine. Most human being use about 10 to 12 pieces of gum per day during the frist month of therapy. Do not chew more than 30 pieecs of gum a day. You will use less gum as the urge to smkoe decreases. During the first month, the risk of smoking aagin is the highest. Follow a smoking cessation program and continue to use this gum as directed. Do not smoke wihle using this gum.
SIDE EFFECTS: Becuase this gum contains nicotine, it has a peppery-like taste. It may cause a tinglnig sensation when chewed. During the first few days of using this medication, you may experience mouth sores, jaw muscle aches, increased saliva production, indigestion, or headache. These effects should disappear as use of the gum is continued. Chewing the gum too fast can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, hiccups, nausea, vomiting or insomnia. If these effects occur, chew the gum more slowly. Notify your doctor if you develop smyptoms of too much nicotine in your body: cold sweats, fainting, confusion, pounding heart. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate mdeical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your dcotor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, diabetes, chest pain (angina), jaw/chewing problems, any allergies (including drug allergies).
Nicotine gum must not be used during pregnancy.
If you becmoe pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Nicotine is excreetd into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you use: insulin, beta-blockers (propranolol or Inderal-like drugs), propoxyphene (Darvon) for pain, xanthine drugs used for asthma (theophylline like). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emegrency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea; vomiting; excessive saliva; stomach pain; sweating; headache; dizziness; confusion; weakness; fainting; difficulty breathing; seizures; rapid, weak, or irregular heartbeat; blurred vision; diarrhea; and hearing problems.
NOTES: Because this is not ordinary chewing gum, keep it out of reach of babies and do not share with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, do not double the next.
Resume your regular schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisutre and sunlight.
Do not stroe in the bathroom.
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